Alexander decides Sooner rather than later

Greg LaRose

01/27/2002

Rumors swirled around the commitment of Baton Rouge-Christian Life linebacker Rufus Alexander. Some sources reported he was going to Oklahoma, others Texas and his coaches said he would wait before deciding from the Sooners, Longhorns and LSU. The speculation ended Saturday when Alexander made it official - he's going to Oklahoma.

Alexander played an abbreviated season at Christian Life following a transfer-related suspension. He finished the 2001 season with 86 tackles, including 14 stops behind the line and 12 quarterback sacks.

He is viewed as a likely candidate to help fill the void left by the departure of OU's Rocky Calmus, the winner of the Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker.